tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73080137574617498802024-03-14T00:40:46.727-04:00Duke Manor Farmby laura janningLaura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-50197408761395969182015-08-25T10:32:00.002-04:002015-08-25T10:41:07.859-04:00Den....Then and Now<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sorry to go so quiet on you last week. Didn't want you to think for one second that I was slacking off over here. Nope. Not me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Between hubby recovering from his surgery, me getting over a nasty head cold (of all weeks to get sick) and just the norm of life, school, scouts, dance, soccer...repeat, thought I would share a project that I have been trying to 'tackle' for the last month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/dukemanorfarm"><b>instagram</b></a> you may have seen some snippets of my den. I am finishing up on the trim this week (<i> I use to love painting trim and now realize how timestaking and tedious it is!</i> ) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is the space right outside my kids bedrooms, the Den. Its where a fair amount of TV watching, reading and game playing takes place. It's taken about 13 years of living in this house to bring this space to it's full potential. And with a new sectional that I bought over the summer from IKEA, its no longer that space that gets 'the stuff' that other rooms don't want ...whether it wants to or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's a few renditions of the space over the years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The last one makes me laugh...cry and reminiscence. Full blown zoo. And although I miss those days where the den looked like a nursery, and then struggled to find it's identity, I sure am glad were at the place we are at now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Home sweet den. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">More pictures when I wrap it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have a great week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for a healing hubby</span></div>
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<br />Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-19501080064365503872015-08-19T09:47:00.001-04:002015-08-19T10:46:46.186-04:00Exterior House Reveal.....and a name change<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Hump day. I am still battling a nasty head cold .....but my sweet husband is on the mend and that's all that really matters right now. If you missed our life lately you can get caught up <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/08/why-you-should-listen-to-your-spouseand.html"><i><b>here</b></i></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am thrilled to share a few pics of the exterior paint project but first wanted to make sure you knew that Top This Top That is now called Duke Manor Farm. Everything should be transitioned by the end of the week and there is nothing you need to do except change the name on your sidebar and not be confused when you see Duke Manor Farm and a slightly different look on my blog later this week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We are pretty beyond happy with the way the color looks on the house. Although it's risky going lighter with this red Georgia</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> clay, my kids and the animals, it just feels like this is the color it should have been all along. The exterior color is called Sedate Gray.The trim is bright white and porch ceilings are called Open Air. All colors are from SW.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When it stops raining long enough I will take pictures of the entire house and show you before and after pictures. It is quite the transformation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish all of you an super fantastic day.</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-28046453006425739882015-08-17T12:08:00.002-04:002015-08-17T13:49:26.190-04:00Why you should listen to your spouse...and why I am grateful.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild & precious life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You know the saying 'when it rains it pours'? well it poured over here at Duke Manor last week....and it's still raining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's how last week shaped up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Monday - hubby leaves for business trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday - 2 of the chickens get out of the coop. Lily is crying hysterically when we are leaving for school cause she thinks that Skippy the dog is going to 'get them' and that she will never see the chickens when she gets home from school. After I drop them off, I chase the chickens (i looked just as funny as it sounds) around the coop and away from the dog and safely return them to their home. I then email her teacher to give her a message, to let her know the good news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday- child home from school but miraculously mid morning is feeling like himself again. #mamagotplayed. Hubby calls and says he thinks he got food poisoning, has a business meeting in an hour and can't even function. Hubby get's home at midnight after driving 1.5 hours from the airport and can barely get in bed from pain. I wanted to take him to the emergency room right then but he said no, let's see how I feel in the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thursday morning- Hubby still in a lot of pain so I tell him in my most in my stern mom voice, we are going to emergency room. After dropping kids off, I take him and he is scheduled for emergency surgery to have his appendix out. It ruptured. Doctor said had I not insisted that he go and gotten him there when I did, tomorrow could have been a lot worse. <i>( btw- now we know who's boss)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Friday- chickens get out again...same drill as Tuesday except I dont email the teacher for fear of her thinking I am some nut with runaway chickens on my hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sunday- I begin to get sick. Head cold. Can't breath out of both nostrils. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Monday- Hubby get's released from hospital. Begin breathing out of one nostril. Happy. Grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So....how was your week?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I bought this sign a few months back and fell in love with it, because I think it really speaks to how I live my 'precious' life each day....like it can be my last. Not taking anything, body or situation for granted. And weeks like this really help to solidify that mantra, that despite the chickens, sick kid, surgery and nasty head cold, I feel so incredibly</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> blessed to be able create my plan and make the most out of every minute that I can....breathing out of one nostril or two.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for your thoughts and prayers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>PS- that great blue bowl behind the cook top is from Birch Lane. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sign is from House Of Belonging.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>PPS- Don't forget that I am beginning to transition things over to my new name 'Duke Manor Farm'.</i></span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-76247900691441244902015-08-12T05:18:00.000-04:002015-08-12T08:20:26.500-04:00Family Mulch Time...and some mulching tips<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish I had self mulching landscape. I really do. You know, the kind that will freshin up the pine bark nuggets once or twice a year depending on the need and control the weeds in the beds and around the trees. That would really be amazing. Even more amazing then control of the tv one day a year to catch up on those mindless shows that I record ( and never watch) with my feet propped up and an adult beverage in hand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpHx20nJhbxI_k5tm5g2zGax652S0r30SOxvTHnRwa3YPOT-HkjfSxfye53E8iiOLHZe5GAiaJCFqM519gVXHdeSy_sjLRV-swnCOHRSBVPROd1xXXdthJZQP0D3G_1TEWHOJ9K6kX069/s1600/20150804_182213_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpHx20nJhbxI_k5tm5g2zGax652S0r30SOxvTHnRwa3YPOT-HkjfSxfye53E8iiOLHZe5GAiaJCFqM519gVXHdeSy_sjLRV-swnCOHRSBVPROd1xXXdthJZQP0D3G_1TEWHOJ9K6kX069/s1600/20150804_182213_resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As evidence of this picture, I need a lot of mulch. Because of the cost and the labor involved, this is a once a year event. Anything more would kill my back and my wallet. Long ago and before kids when my husband and I had nothing better to do, we use to have loose mulch delivered in a big ole semi tractor trailer and then move it around with the tractor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now we go the route of convenience and order bags in bulk for easy distribution. The cost is a bit more, but the time it takes to move it around is worth it. Especially now, since I have people....on vehicles...moving it for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The process for mulch distribution is rather simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They all line up...and fuss about who's going to be the line leader. This is the longest part of the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once they figure that out, dad loads them up with one bag of mulch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They then drive to the designated area that mom has predetermined in order of need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They dumb it off the back of their 'mulch carrier' with the goal of getting as close to the target as they can. so not to create more work for mom and dad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then head back to mulch central for another load. They repeat this process until they figure out that this is no longer a fun activity, and actual work they are doing or they run out of gas...which ever comes first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On second thought, sitting back watching this is way better then full remote access, but I'll still take that cocktail....as I watch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Only 562 bags to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Are you a mulcher? If so what do you use?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for little helpers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PS.....all kidding aside, here are some benefits I have found from regular mulching in the yard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In hot climate areas, helps keep the plants roots cooler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Holds in soil moisture which will protect your precious plants, trees and flowers from drying out too quickly between watering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In cold climate areas it will protect your plants roots from winter cold conditions.</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-64164211107741145042015-08-10T05:24:00.000-04:002015-08-10T10:16:45.139-04:00Is it really??? Fall Ideas to start thinking about.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I saw the Christmas stuff up at a national big box store the other day ( big yikes), I knew it wasn't too early to start thinking about Fall....even though the slippy slide hasn't been put up yet and the kids are swimming in the pool every day and night. But I think it's when I saw the candy corn at the Dollar General, I considered that my green light. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And so to help ease you into fall, some of my pals and I have put together some of our favorite fall ideas & projects.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgJ2NAY99ljjTJy6TaV97-gEMVVRMES7Ioi2GN2ZrD21Swxmo7Yi_0Mx0v5TKkic2cnMDVYSZTxdT6Ho1sRaaG-KR2ZAia3Z8vu7MHWBUAp_VpCSYkseeiNUc-WEZw07j7gWhTS5m5dD9enOb4TF3bfu14kZRCSOG0wNAZl70vbQe_GyD6g6AbcCaw=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Early Fall ideas & projects http://mysoulfulhome.com" border="0" class="aligncenter wp-image-15936" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/early-fall-ideas-1.jpg" height="714" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Although I haven't exactly started decorating, I generally start thinking about my doors first. So today I wanted to share some of my<a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/10/fall-door-ideasand-rhyme.html"> <i>favorite ways</i></a> to dress your doors for the fall so that it helps to inspire you and ....so your doors don't feel left out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the way, my front doors are going to look a lot different this year with the new color change on the house. Click <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/08/house-paint-progress-and-some-news.html"><i>here</i></a> for a peek.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let's get started on the porch with Yvonne at<a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/" target="_blank"> Stone Gable</a>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yvonne's porch evokes all that is fall ~ pumpkins, mums, a cozy plaid throw and more. Can't you just picture yourself sitting out there cider in hand? Pop over to Yvonne's </span><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/fall-on-front-porch/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><i>fall porch</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> for a closer look.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/fall-ideas-and-inspiration/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Early Fall porch ideas http://mysoulfulhome.com" class="aligncenter wp-image-15935 size-full" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/yvonne-copy-1.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Julie of <a href="http://www.lilacsandlonghorns.com/" target="_blank"><i>Lilacs & Longhorns</i> </a>has a stunning fall wreath created so inexpensively you'll want to click on over to get easy tutorial. As Julie says, "Fall decor does not require a lot of money or expert DIY skills." Get Julie's wreath tutorial <a href="http://www.lilacsandlonghorns.com/how-to-make-a-gorgeous-fall-wreath-less.html" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.lilacsandlonghorns.com/how-to-make-a-gorgeous-fall-wreath-less.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fall ideas & projects http://mysoulfulhome.com" class="aligncenter wp-image-15932 size-full" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Julie-copy-1.jpg" height="640" width="463" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.5;">We all agree, fall decor starts at our entry ways, whether it is a DIY wreath or full on display.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.5;">Heather at <a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/" target="_blank"><i>Setting for Four</i></a> shows how to do both with natural elements and bit of glam. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Click </span><a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2014/09/fall-home-tour-part-one.html" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank"><i>here</i> </a><span style="line-height: 24px;">to see all the details on how to re-create this look in your home.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2014/09/fall-home-tour-part-one.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Early Fall porch ideas http://mysoulfulhome.com" class="aligncenter wp-image-15931 size-full" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/heather-copy-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span>Nothing says fall decor like pumpkins!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Shirley of <a href="http://www.housepitalitydesigns.com/" target="_blank"><i>Housepitality Designs</i> </a>shows us how to create pumpkin topiaries. </span><em><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Think you don't have room for even one more mini pumpkin. Sure you do - stack them! </span></em><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.housepitalitydesigns.com/2014/09/22/2014-fall-front-porch-and-a-fall-porch-link-party/"><i>here</i></a> to learn how to create</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> pumpkin topiaries for your front entrance.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.housepitalitydesigns.com/2014/09/22/2014-fall-front-porch-and-a-fall-porch-link-party/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Early Fall porch ideas http://mysoulfulhome.com" class="aligncenter wp-image-15934 size-full" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/shirley-copy-1.jpg" height="640" width="423" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">More pumpkins in transitional colors from Christy at <a href="http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/" target="_blank"><i>Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfe</i>r</a> are absolutely perfect for early fall. Even better, Christy 's fall ideas are thrifty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Decorate on a dime for fall with her <a href="http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/thrifty-fall-decor/" target="_blank"><i>thrifty Fall decor ideas</i></a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/thrifty-fall-decor/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thrifty Fall ideas http://mysoulfulhome.com" class="aligncenter wp-image-15930 size-full" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/christy-copy-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Its all in the details over at <a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/" target="_blank"><i>My Soulful Home</i></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kelly shares how to make your fall table extra special with cinnamon stick place cards. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These are so inexpensive & easy to make, as well as adaptable to any season or occasion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pick up some cinnamon sticks, head out to your yard & clip…click <a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/progressive-thanksgiving-dinner-place-cards/" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a> for the tutorial.</span><br />
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<a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/progressive-thanksgiving-dinner-place-cards/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holiday place cards http://mysoulfulhome.com" class="aligncenter wp-image-15938" src="http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/thanksgiving-place-cards-1.jpg" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So tell me, did I get that fall decorating mojo going? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Can you envision falling leaves, hot cider and chilly temps?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Or...... do you just wanna go back to the slippy slide, heat popsicles and work on your tan for a few more months?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">prayers for healing for those that are sick</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PS. For more ideas click on 'Holidays' in my sidebar.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The last week around here has been busy with settling in on the first week of school routines and the house getting painted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Talk about a transformation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's right before they started with the 47 color samples on the wall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighm7jQe7b-MZhtwEgT5HLBCOqKD60KfDDQ23dPIYpO2AmYgQd74_SXCha2r2BIognodipk-wMmJRn3_72wh0dYBjYS6dG-BrfrIvnB9S5T1Uw8WK9OAaSXPNaUdTG_wtwu8XmxIpvYNDr/s1600/20150801_102900_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighm7jQe7b-MZhtwEgT5HLBCOqKD60KfDDQ23dPIYpO2AmYgQd74_SXCha2r2BIognodipk-wMmJRn3_72wh0dYBjYS6dG-BrfrIvnB9S5T1Uw8WK9OAaSXPNaUdTG_wtwu8XmxIpvYNDr/s1600/20150801_102900_resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And here is yesterday...less the patchwork of color samples</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I ended up going with a color called Sedate Gray for the exterior, Open air for the porch ceilings and bright white for the trim. Although I now feel very poor, I absolutely love how it looks. They are finishing the back this weekend and hope all will be done Monday.I will fill you in on all the updates and pictures sometime next week.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I also wanted to let you know that after 3 years of blogging I am making some changes to the blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Soon, I will be changing my blog name to Duke Manor Farm...... seems more appropriate as it is the name of our property. When I first started the blog, I was making lampshades and the Top This Top That name was quirky and cute. But since the lampshade hobby has gone away, the name really doesn't represent who I am, where I live and what we are are about. Duke Manor Farm does. Look for this name change on my social media platforms as well. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TOPTHISTOPTHAT">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/topthistopthat">instagram</a> , and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ljanning/">pinterest</a>. I am working through how to do this all and honestly it's a bit overwhelming, so if you have made these changes in the past and have some recommendations please leave me a comment and let me know.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The other change, I will be moving to another blogging platform. For non bloggers, I know this doesn't mean much and it shouldn't, as it will all be transparent to you with no changes other then my blog name. For my blogger pals....I am ready to finally make the switch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so happy that you are along this journey with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have an amazing weekend. We are spreading mulch. Don't get jealous. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Super exciting I know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for my mom and her wonderful visit</span></div>
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<br />Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-53521147384498710862015-08-04T06:00:00.000-04:002015-08-05T16:38:54.432-04:00A beautiful wooden watch...and a lesson in life<br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This post is about a watch. A beautiful wooden watch. Specifically, a maple wood with a rose gold faced watch....called Sidney. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLtFAnzZLjT4jx37YUInM2cGQ1UfzklgbeN9x3CqKOlTgRBaO8yp1u5HZo496-1o0mgwzfnzeNMinrKtlB0tZmkOU8kmfe65RKbw-vu7RQVE9BSoT2eURucsZCYzbFjEok0VbRwkwB6-G/s1600/IMG_3097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLtFAnzZLjT4jx37YUInM2cGQ1UfzklgbeN9x3CqKOlTgRBaO8yp1u5HZo496-1o0mgwzfnzeNMinrKtlB0tZmkOU8kmfe65RKbw-vu7RQVE9BSoT2eURucsZCYzbFjEok0VbRwkwB6-G/s1600/IMG_3097.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But first a short lesson in life.</span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't ever wear your new beautiful <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/#topthistopthat"><i>Jord</i></a> maple wood with rose gold face watch around your girlfriends or sisters, especially the one's who like pretty watches just like you....... just don't. Wear your 30 year LCD watch instead.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHRtOtbi1v0i-4MWjn1hqDJtJSyQM5AQL5pixBK8nuulqf26l3y3FflMgd4vXFGVi1DNlZ4u2ZQO17v8s_u1JJGPqByDXKRUEr0YH-uB0iUwYGY8slmNHFNFQ3n-tPTdmVpCGB4N4aAuc/s1600/20150716_191901_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHRtOtbi1v0i-4MWjn1hqDJtJSyQM5AQL5pixBK8nuulqf26l3y3FflMgd4vXFGVi1DNlZ4u2ZQO17v8s_u1JJGPqByDXKRUEr0YH-uB0iUwYGY8slmNHFNFQ3n-tPTdmVpCGB4N4aAuc/s640/20150716_191901_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If they (specifically the sister) begin to ooh and aah and marvel at the uniqueness and color of the watch band and face..... hide your arm .... and fast.</span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If they (specifically the sister) ask about how comfortable the watch is and how light weight it is on your arm....pretend you didn't hear and start talking about last nights episode of the Bachelor in Paradise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And don't, I repeat don't, under any circumstance ask her if she wants to try it on.....that would be a huge mistake.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSopVCgJRndpErSoPI-xaUetGGrE8we3OM0GFWYMxDlqvTJXFHN2USspvVc26uCDaJ7pPrDad5JpiKg5U1vrxjS3SeAWuQDHurZeGR8jP7jzTvBDLtUGO-ThgpHmctiFlBfNF0BjfIIVtJ/s1600/IMG_3086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSopVCgJRndpErSoPI-xaUetGGrE8we3OM0GFWYMxDlqvTJXFHN2USspvVc26uCDaJ7pPrDad5JpiKg5U1vrxjS3SeAWuQDHurZeGR8jP7jzTvBDLtUGO-ThgpHmctiFlBfNF0BjfIIVtJ/s1600/IMG_3086.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Or you may not ever see your beautiful <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/#topthistopthat"><i>Sidney</i></a> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">maple wood with a rose gold faced watch ever again....and have to order another one.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">True story...ask my sister.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am so excited that <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/#topthistopthat"><i>Jord woodwatches</i></a> is offering my readers a 5% discount on any of their beautiful watches. Just enter code </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">topthistopthat786 when placing your order. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4KSOb2jCF7suBoKA7bpkv_vj5xBlu6OiWXp3IbtHDEvwhjJmTrsGnHy2bvjuO2PeSpoKXV_cINh0WEMI64gB8g7qH06h45SfE_kERkEBMNpd6hxidO2Nw10ITYvvHRWSsBe7xcC2GFPD/s1600/laura_black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4KSOb2jCF7suBoKA7bpkv_vj5xBlu6OiWXp3IbtHDEvwhjJmTrsGnHy2bvjuO2PeSpoKXV_cINh0WEMI64gB8g7qH06h45SfE_kERkEBMNpd6hxidO2Nw10ITYvvHRWSsBe7xcC2GFPD/s1600/laura_black.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PS- I love this watch so much that I am ordering another Sidney watch ...... but this time I will never wear around a sister again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PPS- I was given this watch to review by Jord, but the story of how my sister tried on my watch and didn't give it back along with comments and sunflowers from the garden, are just my own. Has that ever happened to you?</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">grateful</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">for sisters</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-77559348583124794092015-08-02T20:31:00.002-04:002015-08-03T14:14:49.310-04:00Weekly Musings<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'mmmmm back!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Summer as we know it at our house, officially came to an end. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My kids started back to school last Friday. Typically they start the first week of August so it was a tad bit earlier then years past. This mama cried behind her shades as dad and I dropped them off bright and early in front of their school's. The 'coolness' factor apparently has set in, as everyone wanted to walk in without us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">At least I was able to get some pictures before we got in the car. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am happy to report that everyone had an amazing day and just love their teachers...so do I. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Truth is, I was probably boo hooing a bit more then I normally would have, cause my twins also turned 7 on Friday as well. They were super excited to finally have a birthday during the school year so I headed to the school during lunch to pass out Minion cupcakes and treat bags. Later that day,we had a family party at home and then hit a favorite local fun spot for bowling, arcade and miniature golf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My mom flew in last week from Florida, to help celebrate with us and will be here for the week. The kids are just loving having their 'mimi' around...so am I. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Good thing my mom is a good sport and didn't say anything about the half painted bedroom in the guest house. Sadly, I never got the changes completed before she got here. I am blaming it all on summer and enjoying every moment with my children. With an excuse like that, she doesn't even care what it looks like.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It really happened. Despite the 47 or so sample colors that I tried on the house and some unnecessary amount of stress, the exterior painting has begun. I had the painters start on the guest house last week first, so I could be sure I liked the color before they painted the house....I love it. Sedate Gray by SW.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Isn't this just the most amazing sky we saw driving home the other night? All's I wanted to do, was drive around and take pictures of such a glorious sight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In between getting the house back to 'pre-summer' condition and hanging with my mom, I will be getting back into a normal blogging schedule this week and have lots of fun things and projects to share with you. Don't forget to follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/topthistopthat"><i><b>here</b></i></a> or facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TOPTHISTOPTHAT"><i><b>here</b></i></a> for daily happenings and updates on the house painting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How was your weekend?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have an amazing week!</span><br />
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-22997795610829566152015-07-30T04:00:00.000-04:002015-07-30T17:29:23.796-04:00Easy Gallery Wall Ideas <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a great gallery wall....I know I do.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC8wHkN3NlyWCIktQoNxKgnc7huRadX3o3XMxIc-wZ10k7ALfVijQ8w4uSc-lr7GSeNPT6VUcnt7HgT1mq68LVdoSxdr0JUmSLBFTZcSQDFa4C45NnpQhJjkPIGPlPI41WS4vjR2S1oNx/s1600/gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC8wHkN3NlyWCIktQoNxKgnc7huRadX3o3XMxIc-wZ10k7ALfVijQ8w4uSc-lr7GSeNPT6VUcnt7HgT1mq68LVdoSxdr0JUmSLBFTZcSQDFa4C45NnpQhJjkPIGPlPI41WS4vjR2S1oNx/s640/gallery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> have to admit, before I attempted my first gallery wall in my home, I thought it was a daunting ordeal. Precision, matching frames, guidelines, theme........ which is not at all how I typically like to approach a decorating project. Stress before you even get started.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So without a lot of thought and planning and throwing the rules out the window, I began sticking frames filled with my childrens art, pictures and things that really matter to my family randomly on the wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A collection of things that have a common look and feel, the black frames filled with art and symbols that represent who we are as a family.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcGy1eOExk6TttwoOqavC2VVG5b2am-DtsXbhJiywAfbeT_fqLBTmP0t47RSTUfrPbp4l0HWgvs0cFhkOoCkd16vACVF8hJ0ZsvbYDKbyTds9fUz2IURp7YTnpo_DuALSmiXjUqW72ccV/s1600/IMG_8146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcGy1eOExk6TttwoOqavC2VVG5b2am-DtsXbhJiywAfbeT_fqLBTmP0t47RSTUfrPbp4l0HWgvs0cFhkOoCkd16vACVF8hJ0ZsvbYDKbyTds9fUz2IURp7YTnpo_DuALSmiXjUqW72ccV/s1600/IMG_8146.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Another example of a more personal approach is the gallery wall in my home office. The silver frames bring a more cohesive look to the various sized pictures of my family. I chose silver frames so it wouldn't compete with the print of my wallpaper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">M</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">y entry way is an example of a gallery wall that is more precise with a specific theme. Here, I took the same sized frame and used prints from a botanical book. The exact spaced frames give the illusion of one big art piece. Since I approach this gallery wall thing with not a lot of rules or prep work, I do have more nail holes then I care to count in the wall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I say when it comes to gallery walls, hang what <b>you</b> like and try not to follow too many of the rules that you see around gallery walls. Create your own. You'll be surprised how amazing your wall can look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of amazing, I am joining up with my monthly challenge pals who are sharing some gallery wall tips of their own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/bedroom-gallery-wall-a-decorating-challenge/">Confessions of a Serial Do it youselfer</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://refreshrestyle.com/how-create-a-gallery-wall/"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Refresh Restyle</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p3maKc-2Q1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our Southern Home</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artsychicksrule.com/2015/07/gallery-wall-decorating-challenge.html"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Artsy Chicks Rule</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.restorationredoux.com/how-to-build-an-eclectic-gallery-wall-decorating-challenge">Restoration Redoux</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And don't forget the monthly challenge on Instagram</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow the kids are headed back to school so I am making the best of this last day of summer break.</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-79067829198698768252015-07-24T06:00:00.000-04:002015-07-24T06:00:00.936-04:00Good Ole Family Fun in Tennessee<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wanted to pop in and quickly tell you all, how much I am missing you this summer. I made this decision to lay low and have fun with the kids during the break....and I have and I will for one more week (<i>sigh, kids go back next Friday</i>). At the same time I have missed my projects, writing posts, reading your comments and the pure joy that I receive from blogging. So thank you for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This past week we took one last family trip for the summer to Dollywood and to Gatlinburg in Tennessee. Even with the extreme heat and rain showers, we had an amazing time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will share some trip highlights and some trip advice in the upcoming weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will be heading to Sherwin Williams today to pick up more paint samples so I can slap a few more colors on the house this weekend, and have a decision by the time the painters show up next week. Real exciting...I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I sure hope you are doing something far more fun and exciting with your weekend....you better be!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to follow me <a href="https://instagram.com/topthistopthat"><i>here</i></a> for daily snippets on instagram and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TOPTHISTOPTHAT"><i>here</i></a> on Facebook.</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-37114858183149192982015-07-16T10:07:00.001-04:002015-07-16T13:24:51.349-04:00My summer outdoor projects....and a new one to add to the list<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have taken this summer slackin thing to a whole new level....and I am not apologizing for it...... not one bit. So far this summer, I have managed to pull off one outdoor project, and even that would be a stretch since my hubby did most of the work and I haven't even pulled the post together yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Although, it is my intent to share the details of this towel tower before summer is over. By the way, this thing has saved me from spending more time in the laundry room doing only 135 loads instead of the usual 438 loads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Since I have a fair amount of new readers since last summer, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite outdoor projects from the past.....when I wasn't slackin so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Refurbish your old, torn outdoor chairs <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2012/08/how-to-refurbish-your-old-chaise.html"><i>here</i></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqfkx2-awaGJVCQLBETbuWAmlJlYxdzcNIHwCUmEVBVMgSNl0oPo0zwr0rYdRGMHjwKz_fT6N5NIGT4AxlynqbzldSHZbmCeRejQnJiTptdyurWo7l9AmWi9ds6tsMmlHpZcbSm_lMnpE/s1600/chaise-lounge-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqfkx2-awaGJVCQLBETbuWAmlJlYxdzcNIHwCUmEVBVMgSNl0oPo0zwr0rYdRGMHjwKz_fT6N5NIGT4AxlynqbzldSHZbmCeRejQnJiTptdyurWo7l9AmWi9ds6tsMmlHpZcbSm_lMnpE/s640/chaise-lounge-cover.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Birdbath makeover <i><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2012/07/birdbath-makeover-tutorial.html">here</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Summer outdoor cabana <i><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2012/05/low-cost-outdoor-cabana.html">here</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Keep those drinks chilled with a<a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/06/diy-summer-ice-bucket.html"> <i>DIY ice bucket</i></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxS-rLZ1WuBMyh9jsp3KnzGu4xpRzSYYms6jbldTSLy-pEZOPxS4Lf6iklSBYhhPDDfoopm6MZtVZS5ASO1_LuYSiEYXg5jTAXbbAbQB2PPCo5WIUn_fniqLItq5uk0grT4paVjcAmVx3/s1600/IMG_6987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxS-rLZ1WuBMyh9jsp3KnzGu4xpRzSYYms6jbldTSLy-pEZOPxS4Lf6iklSBYhhPDDfoopm6MZtVZS5ASO1_LuYSiEYXg5jTAXbbAbQB2PPCo5WIUn_fniqLItq5uk0grT4paVjcAmVx3/s640/IMG_6987.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Repurpose a fire pit into a planter <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2013/06/repurposing-fire-pit.html"><i>here</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hope you find an outdoor project that inspires you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What projects are you working on this summer?</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-22472953499666244742015-07-12T11:44:00.002-04:002015-07-13T09:06:15.550-04:00Sunday Musings- OMG Makeover, sunflowers, paint decision, next project <br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is my OMG makeover moment. And no, I do not miss the cherry stain walls...or those curtains for that matter. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGts4EXK_lCXY-HpW6bbzhmgE8s9MAUaKn92lQMG4T68YH_ZTclZEej9tLbTMiB_SSyZXt252YoWstNsv_ueccPVKCNlmNjhLVQxq77_CkB1JcKzelFku3j1fXu2cuzt50_vsOQxENPPt/s1600/11013279_863911237030288_1680388986174276279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGts4EXK_lCXY-HpW6bbzhmgE8s9MAUaKn92lQMG4T68YH_ZTclZEej9tLbTMiB_SSyZXt252YoWstNsv_ueccPVKCNlmNjhLVQxq77_CkB1JcKzelFku3j1fXu2cuzt50_vsOQxENPPt/s640/11013279_863911237030288_1680388986174276279_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am always thrilled to see fruits and veggies pop up in the garden that we can eat, but just as excited to see my beloved sunflowers. I plant enough to cut, giveaway and keep. Besides, they do not do well if kept in the garden because of their height and will fall over.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLujbyGMtPe4I_LKyZq13kdwwRpAZiz2asogsTG9PdE70Nk0-yksDJWhO1YC41NTpjI4ofjipwLBYwBU77dFNf7yPEvthJsC2CEsdqWFVIYfWeEguQmPIqaLycQ7p9uinrUMvN_-16fuM/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLujbyGMtPe4I_LKyZq13kdwwRpAZiz2asogsTG9PdE70Nk0-yksDJWhO1YC41NTpjI4ofjipwLBYwBU77dFNf7yPEvthJsC2CEsdqWFVIYfWeEguQmPIqaLycQ7p9uinrUMvN_-16fuM/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Putting this project together.....after the kids head back to school. And I blame it all on those coral pillows that I picked up at Kirklands a few months back. Darn you pillow, darn you! <i>btw- The cute throw is from Target and is the perfect summer throw.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lA40HilRRbuLpiG5j-QORGmV0dPfRYkwUGlKMab_1rqBzh0qnr4kVeUqbnVRbKFaTNQXDufkOAtOWEXjr_1Tt-t6syxHr1KCMTt4YB6ecFFK8DJqWpfGorEiKJ-bbaUEnabEJIvMGC8y/s1600/20150709_154914_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lA40HilRRbuLpiG5j-QORGmV0dPfRYkwUGlKMab_1rqBzh0qnr4kVeUqbnVRbKFaTNQXDufkOAtOWEXjr_1Tt-t6syxHr1KCMTt4YB6ecFFK8DJqWpfGorEiKJ-bbaUEnabEJIvMGC8y/s640/20150709_154914_resized.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not much around the house....or in life gets me stressed to the level that I am feeling right about now with the exterior paint choice for the house. After a while these choices just start looking alike. The painters are coming in two weeks and I think I have landed a decision. Sedate Gray by SW (<i> bottom color in the images</i>). When the job is costing a pretty penny, I guess it's wise and smart to scrutinize and agonize over the decision. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enjoying these last few weeks of summer break and tomorrow is my husbands birthday </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">along with my sister, niece,cousin and a friend</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">)</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> so me and the kids are going to give him the best gift we can give, and love on him like crazy!</span><br />
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-74153593264720793902015-07-08T20:05:00.000-04:002015-07-09T03:50:32.404-04:00How to see time differently....with a new shade<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hard to imagine that my slow and easy summer bliss will be coming to an end in just a few short weeks. I have enjoyed the heck out of every second with my kids, and feel so incredibly blessed to be able to spend this precious time with them. </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One thing that I told myself at the start of the summer was that the kids and all things </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">summer come first, the house and projects......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">after that. Hence the slower then normal output of stuff that you typically see me working on. However, I did manage to pick up a paint brush and work on my one and only project of the summer. Well actually two, if you count the basket. <i>insert a woot woot</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I picked up this clock down in Atlanta almost two years ago, with the intention to add some hands to it and actually be able to know what time it is. Welllllll..... it's <i>no wonder we're always late around here. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I decided to punch it up a bit and change blues using a color called Tidalwater from SW. It is such a soft and pretty shade of blue and works perfectly in my breakfast area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I also added a layer of the blue to the bottom of the basket using some painters tape to create </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">a somewhat straight line around the basket. When I pulled the tape off, I used a small brush to even things out. I like the added color on the basket.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I threw some white on the numbers, but honestly the kids were either fussing with each other, the puppy pooped on the floor or I went for a swim so I stopped and never finished. Once they go back to school, I'll go back and do a second coat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">or, I can just sit around and dream about this wonderful summer, where time stood still.....thanks to a clock with no hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To see more of my summer home click <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html"><i>here</i></a>. And, don't</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> forget to follow me on </span><a href="https://instagram.com/topthistoptha" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Instagram</b></i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> for the latest from my real life funny farm!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for being able to have pancakes or cereal for dinner and your kids think you're a rock star</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-78038693663576405042015-07-06T17:27:00.001-04:002015-08-12T16:56:15.249-04:00The Rock Star of the Painting Scene....My Paint Saint<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's no secret....I love to paint. Oddly, it provides a calmness and peace that I can't really explain nor likely that would you understand, especially to those that have never picked up a paintbrush or don't like to paint. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is one of my recent projects that is currently on summer hiatus, the downstairs den. Going from beige to blue.....when the kids go back to school. It's between Tidal Water and Watery, colors from SW.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and the Guest House bedroom, which I am about finished with since I am trying to get it ready before my mom comes to stay for a few months. fyi......the apple <b>did</b> fall to far from the tree since my mother is not a painter nor is anybody in my immediate family or inner circle.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddUoOgOw5R0Mi75CFKa-OgwH936G3TdvF9A8vTqVQstab4CYTNzbPpKAlFLihrd3W4htj8CHouh8lMcLmGhyphenhyphenHpjTNWxpCeprToCc01kztTKlST0dMiA8Bg5OCvMV0vK5a0GeLeC2pnT7K/s1600/IMG_2985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddUoOgOw5R0Mi75CFKa-OgwH936G3TdvF9A8vTqVQstab4CYTNzbPpKAlFLihrd3W4htj8CHouh8lMcLmGhyphenhyphenHpjTNWxpCeprToCc01kztTKlST0dMiA8Bg5OCvMV0vK5a0GeLeC2pnT7K/s640/IMG_2985.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And with my love of paint, comes the never ending slew of paint cans, brushes and touch ups. Recently, I was introduced to a product that could be the closet thing to rock star status to a painter like me....<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641229707/my-paint-saint"><b>The Paint Saint</b></a>.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mark Lacy-the inventor, came up with a most convenient solution for paint touch ups</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif;">....</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">especially for a paint friendly house like mine.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-XMhMYLnfztKuQtVt7r-yHtnMjpq6m-waJTzy6PuJbvsT3wJYrFOo8ut-TztQEYzCV9TryEKkbJDcmF4e3QivHbmapPKecs3FILy-M9owwaTVFCyy7vwiFuom1eYUVAzVpX20AjGge2R/s1600/IMG_2968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-XMhMYLnfztKuQtVt7r-yHtnMjpq6m-waJTzy6PuJbvsT3wJYrFOo8ut-TztQEYzCV9TryEKkbJDcmF4e3QivHbmapPKecs3FILy-M9owwaTVFCyy7vwiFuom1eYUVAzVpX20AjGge2R/s640/IMG_2968.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One of the things I really love about this product is the way it stores. Once you pour the paint inside the Paint Saint and use it, you can just screw the air tight top back on and the paint and brush stays fresh. No more gallon buckets hanging around. That alone, is a beautiful thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you think you would love this product as much as I do and would want to support this great business idea, here's the cost for the My Paint Saint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 MPS $20 including US shipping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 MPS $35 including US shipping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3 MPS $50 including US shipping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4 MPS $65 includes US shipping</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Credit cards will be accepted, and shipping will be in November.</i></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So paint warriors, what do you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PS I received no compensation for this post. I just wanted to share what I think is a great idea. You can read more, watch the My Paint Saint video and purchase one<span style="color: teal;"><strong><span style="color: teal; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641229707/my-paint-saint" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> HERE.</a></span></strong></span></span><br />
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-6400288565955252722015-07-03T06:30:00.000-04:002015-07-03T08:39:41.447-04:00Weekly Wow's - Stunning home, Pergola, Bar Cart<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The other day I walked into my kitchen to see a 'miner' cleaning his rocks in the sink, a 'waiter' in a tux saying he is going to serve me breakfast and a sassy 'cheetah' who was purring cause she was ready to eat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Take a look at my real life funny farm.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you follow me on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/topthistopthat"><i>here</i></a>, you probably saw my comment about hoping that my hubby would walk in as a housekeeper. Sadly, that didn't happen. But it's all good, and the house is still a mess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My pal Debbie turned this bookcase into an amazing bar<a href="http://refreshrestyle.com/i-need-your-vote"> <i>here</i></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We put our pergola project on hold a bit. We are still working through the design and how we want it to work with our long term plan in the backyard. Until then though I am living vicariously under <a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2015/06/the-pergola-is-done.html"><i>this</i></a> one and this <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2015/06/deck-progress-and-back-yard-beginnings.html"><i>one</i></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have loved following Layla's <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/our-baby-boy/"><i>story</i></a> on their process of adoption and anxiously waiting for the homecoming.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/diy-stenciled-ikea-rug.html"><i>This</i></a> turned out pretty amazing.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My approaching 50 self, really didn't give a crap about prancing around in my bathing suit last week at the beach. Funny how it's taking me this long to get to this point of body acceptance. An article everyone should <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/laraparker/heres-what-victorias-secret-swimsuits-look-like-on-real-wome#.rwe6rV2N3"><i>read</i></a> regardless of your age, or shape. However, I would not attempt a star jump on the beach in my bathing suit. My confidence only goes so far.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-barn-room-dressed-for-summer.html"><i>This</i></a> house has me at Hello every time I visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We are hosting a few friends Saturday afternoon, for a barbecue followed by the traditional firework show hosted by my hubby. Our low boil menu changed to pulled pork instead. My husband realized he was the biggest and only fan of hot sausage and spicy shrimp in our household. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We travel up the road annually to South.Carolina to get the fireworks at our favorite spot right over the border. Hopefully our weather will cooperate Saturday evening for the show. I was hearing that some states have ban's on the firework shows because of the weather...lack of rain. Fortunately our state is not one of them.</span><br />
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-82827821712655928232015-06-30T05:30:00.000-04:002015-06-30T14:36:36.761-04:004th decor around the farm and a low boil<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are hosting a few friends this weekend for the 4th of July holiday. And since this summer has been about everything slow and easy, we are doing a low boil. If you are a Cajun, then you totally get this. If not, basically we will throw some shrimp, hot sausage, corn cobs, small red potatoes,onions and if we were really lucky to find any... crawfish, into a big pot, season with some Zatarains shrimp and crab boil and let it boil away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My first experience eating crawfish was the first time that I met my husband's entire family down in Lafayette La, all experienced crawfish eaters I must say. All 163 of them. <i>It was more like 46 but it sure felt like it was a lot of eyes..</i> Not wanting to feel out, I followed the lead from others and ate my first and last crawfish. I think I was done when I was told to just to suck the head out. What !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Talk about getting initiated into the family. I wish the art of eating crawfish was as easy as some of the simple and festive decor that I put up for the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Like putting some dollar store flags in some existing frames that I have, with some fern clippings in small glass lanterns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And not entirely sure how patriotic this is, but I borrowed my vintage Coca-Cola sign from the media room and put it on the other mantel for a splash of red.An iced cold coca cola seems to be the epotomie of a hot summer day....that or a cold beer, which I drink neither of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I even got out some red and white pillows for the chairs and folded a blue throw and used it as table runner. Good thing I am equipped for napping.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">while everyone else around me eats their crawfish. There is an upside to a low boil though, the clean up. When it's ready to eat, you basically throw everything on a table covered with paper and your guests just pick what they want. Ahhh, maybe I will like this crawfish thing afterall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's a few of my other 4th of July party and project ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Table ideas <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/06/4th-of-july-tablescapeusing-99-duct-tape.html"><i>here</i></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPAYvBjTZUo9-ALfn41eS8D_QVxFbzkzRklV9l0p3FC7Bwh9wLRFBZmOaRQXZoqa7gaLk1_RlHHV7Incr4Hd8IWHPNKJ7UMscxGs_LKOCkv0SGKi3aQUVM1c50VRaPbpdgxczSRXLKh2a/s1600/tableideas-topthistopthat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPAYvBjTZUo9-ALfn41eS8D_QVxFbzkzRklV9l0p3FC7Bwh9wLRFBZmOaRQXZoqa7gaLk1_RlHHV7Incr4Hd8IWHPNKJ7UMscxGs_LKOCkv0SGKi3aQUVM1c50VRaPbpdgxczSRXLKh2a/s400/tableideas-topthistopthat.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last years mantel <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/06/patriotic-mantel.html"><i>here</i></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA71FyAkQeZphUqg-BritZ6pUrnXQvCrvayfBN4eFSNTRZjjyl5UkcBtiEzYD6EagI1hy8vvocepsUJy10NRlFbsovMjKgTQkblnPp3xx3w4ULTNT67MS7irbpXQu6OGGEzVx8zq-zJkM/s1600/IMG_8863-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA71FyAkQeZphUqg-BritZ6pUrnXQvCrvayfBN4eFSNTRZjjyl5UkcBtiEzYD6EagI1hy8vvocepsUJy10NRlFbsovMjKgTQkblnPp3xx3w4ULTNT67MS7irbpXQu6OGGEzVx8zq-zJkM/s400/IMG_8863-002.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stars and stripe DIY pillow <i><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2012/06/stars-and-stripes-pillow-tutorial.html">here</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV41knAB5zI0RIUhPvFGMz1MStEAbHPgR-P0HKRaKwZH2OLTyFJjF7NBErPGQfRV6UZxhvjLwQNrMVaWTceELVLJmBl5Y1oAVYVryidbZNjDO2-QP5dmVI7SAx1tlqeEx5uriGPvMyVYz5/s1600/IMG_5692+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV41knAB5zI0RIUhPvFGMz1MStEAbHPgR-P0HKRaKwZH2OLTyFJjF7NBErPGQfRV6UZxhvjLwQNrMVaWTceELVLJmBl5Y1oAVYVryidbZNjDO2-QP5dmVI7SAx1tlqeEx5uriGPvMyVYz5/s400/IMG_5692+%25281%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Easy Apple Cobbler <i><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/06/4th-of-july-apple-cobbler.html">here</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q0qfxq2PUUUH2FuiqIL5orOw4sWGHUqQWUZ3bmRfhYpM6-A0GWnIEPLFLzZ9Z3wyFuZXQiTjCp3YI7Da0Q2ovIGpzaDPB5xmNWNroyWoX-SpOZIh2Id5Rgj84T1GYEUWcm5ZekB-DUed/s1600/IMG_8985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q0qfxq2PUUUH2FuiqIL5orOw4sWGHUqQWUZ3bmRfhYpM6-A0GWnIEPLFLzZ9Z3wyFuZXQiTjCp3YI7Da0Q2ovIGpzaDPB5xmNWNroyWoX-SpOZIh2Id5Rgj84T1GYEUWcm5ZekB-DUed/s400/IMG_8985.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Are you a crawfish eater? Come on over!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for long summer days</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-956203382758981352015-06-29T05:30:00.000-04:002015-06-29T15:59:20.055-04:00Guest House Updates- Part 2<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So it occurred to me while sipping on some frozen fruity drinks at the beach with my mom last week while we were in Florida, that I better get this Coppertone bum in gear and finish the updates that I want to do before she gets here in 4 weeks. I really haven't done enough to share up until today, and even these might appear to be a tad bit lame, but for my mom's sake (<i>and cause I know she is reading this</i>), the updates will happen and be ready for her arrival.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc3ktazTiBLn5wbHGW1-5igWuccX2hAAhVlfgxKriYQDEU9CbT3VbbzO_PPqhppHc10_aT3MESocxwX2GPZA5FS1RFF-BEWP6C28S8oG7HacpN32aEQbzJj_BsteAI2sJ_mmxc3BVej6J/s1600/IMG_8721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc3ktazTiBLn5wbHGW1-5igWuccX2hAAhVlfgxKriYQDEU9CbT3VbbzO_PPqhppHc10_aT3MESocxwX2GPZA5FS1RFF-BEWP6C28S8oG7HacpN32aEQbzJj_BsteAI2sJ_mmxc3BVej6J/s1600/IMG_8721.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh..... was it really me that said I was going to do the updates with a budget of about $200.00? Well..... that might have been a tad bit premature based on some recent decisions that I made. (<i>More on that below</i>). So, if I move the decimal over 1 place and add a zero then that might be more like it. You can read my original grand plan <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/02/cottage-makeover-on-budgetthe-plan.html"><i>here</i></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, let's talk about what I have managed to do over the last several months....besides not much. In my defense, projects over the summer have basically come to a halt unless it is out of necessity, so that I can spend my time with the kids. Though, I am not sure how to explain Feb - May before the kids got out of school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I did finish painting the kitchen cabinets. I am happy how they came out and even happier that I was able to use left over paint that I had around from another project. So it cost me nada. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I also painted the back splash and the walls white. Still need to do the ceiling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpk-7WVZaIVG9KyY6x8gn3x9kCCb7Uq-ZnemmoQTsQ1tR1TqSaeoi8h8xKqq5c8jITDT-D4HeG3SifSYNQWRE2hRe07m83sIbbUzSiiRD8C0Dc-mukFEoHQVyxjcrgBVl9f6lLZ33Nefg/s1600/IMG_2847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpk-7WVZaIVG9KyY6x8gn3x9kCCb7Uq-ZnemmoQTsQ1tR1TqSaeoi8h8xKqq5c8jITDT-D4HeG3SifSYNQWRE2hRe07m83sIbbUzSiiRD8C0Dc-mukFEoHQVyxjcrgBVl9f6lLZ33Nefg/s1600/IMG_2847.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I recently started painting the walls in the bedroom. I did mange to get one coat on 1/2 of the room so I would call that a win. Applause.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHvRQaFNSetlFCON3CFnvfYznJouhfEhjVZfKitDLl32NS8Aq4z3_f7V38xTYeCimQju0g_zZQoYMsgBhI6ikL6Chha_uixCufBUJHTvaZH_G8TiOSt2c6LUt8sAIBwt2Hh-lfq6MCP3/s1600/IMG_2834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHvRQaFNSetlFCON3CFnvfYznJouhfEhjVZfKitDLl32NS8Aq4z3_f7V38xTYeCimQju0g_zZQoYMsgBhI6ikL6Chha_uixCufBUJHTvaZH_G8TiOSt2c6LUt8sAIBwt2Hh-lfq6MCP3/s1600/IMG_2834.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I also started painting the dresser that was in this space using the same gray that's in the bedding that I bought at IKEA a while ago. It's gonna look so pretty. I did manage to spend $4.95 for a sample pot of paint from Sherwin Williams, but that's not why the budget is blown.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5DUzrXllX5X8Gdb3QJh_i-lUckVxb1MIoqDdF_EDyiTgXCg2T0TvNakywCVfcC7ikzr2NiIZVlFwmsu4fQdprZmFkdEUN0iWLKIGv0ZEsB0NnYMAj9_08WMZxY6mO5YbFyLziRAy9K9H/s1600/IMG_2832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5DUzrXllX5X8Gdb3QJh_i-lUckVxb1MIoqDdF_EDyiTgXCg2T0TvNakywCVfcC7ikzr2NiIZVlFwmsu4fQdprZmFkdEUN0iWLKIGv0ZEsB0NnYMAj9_08WMZxY6mO5YbFyLziRAy9K9H/s1600/IMG_2832.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Originally this space had carpet and tile and then I decided to rip it up and just <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2012/05/how-to-paint-floor-and-love-it.html"><i>paint</i></a> the sub floor. Well over the years with the wear and tear on the floors, they look, well....... gross. After I painted them, I applied a protective coat and it just looks so dirty. Regardless of what I do to clean them, the floor looks like the dirt is embedded. This is a picture of a clean floor. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">See what I mean?</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAciJTK__zCUJxgXD062Spn5oj5QucA2GZPNOghcmke_eI5tL78ojerYKL1Eb6_ekxWCWTeDwnS332HOZj7fHAv-zOUKdScvgjR3q3wjnCeBRErqhXg3uqi-DsGBlGIcjl9YPLr4JGD72b/s1600/IMG_2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAciJTK__zCUJxgXD062Spn5oj5QucA2GZPNOghcmke_eI5tL78ojerYKL1Eb6_ekxWCWTeDwnS332HOZj7fHAv-zOUKdScvgjR3q3wjnCeBRErqhXg3uqi-DsGBlGIcjl9YPLr4JGD72b/s1600/IMG_2866.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love the idea of a painted floor, it just wasn't right for this space. So I have decided to put some engineered flooring down. I think I am going to use Lumber Liquidators. They seem to have the best prices. I am going to do the living room and kitchen in phase 1, and before my mom show's up, and then the bedroom sometime down the road. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jn2klZBkukZ7jlzYwOTaiFjn1brPi1bILsWloLtZxdBe8PcClZaGlbIH902enl3jM2ajvWtJIzZrWVVg894hL63LUoMkb1d6NwAlL224SO-P993Z-Sxeydo2tFulHqoLFEGPd-eww7IC/s1600/IMG_2876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jn2klZBkukZ7jlzYwOTaiFjn1brPi1bILsWloLtZxdBe8PcClZaGlbIH902enl3jM2ajvWtJIzZrWVVg894hL63LUoMkb1d6NwAlL224SO-P993Z-Sxeydo2tFulHqoLFEGPd-eww7IC/s1600/IMG_2876.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sorry for the toilet shot, and no I don't charge guests .10 to use it, but this is the downstairs entry that I have decided to go ahead and paint. Think I am going to use some left over blue from the family room project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Don't think I will have time to do any updates right now to the bathroom/laundry room. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Besides the thought of doing laundry and being next to a washer machine, makes me kinda queasy.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will be back with a fun summer project this week, that is actually keeping me out of the laundry room this summer.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have an amazing week!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlFd1u7TB1lF3xYTb3goO5BkHb22OWQPn7L7bdU1nMHN1rwLIn8cdSCDfL3pQDqN75levEsFczxqivF7qi9ANCAxruEv7EssxvuFOnDjYyftJojkguR1saoQotidGNeYhP1m9gi1rNyQJ/s1600/laura_black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlFd1u7TB1lF3xYTb3goO5BkHb22OWQPn7L7bdU1nMHN1rwLIn8cdSCDfL3pQDqN75levEsFczxqivF7qi9ANCAxruEv7EssxvuFOnDjYyftJojkguR1saoQotidGNeYhP1m9gi1rNyQJ/s1600/laura_black.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">ps- if you have any tips on where to find deals on engineered flooring let me know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">pps. tomorrow (6/30) is the last day to enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. I would love for you to win! Details <i><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/05/surprise-spring-break-picnicand-giveaway.html">here</a>.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">grateful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for my kids and all that comes with them</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/"><i>between naps on the porch</i></a></span>
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<br />Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-60426966859475879472015-06-27T06:30:00.000-04:002015-06-27T08:02:13.754-04:00Weekend Wow's- Summer Art, Paper Flowers, DIY ladder for the library<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Weekend! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In a few hours we will be on our way back home (</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Insert mega boo-boo face</i><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">)</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> from a wonderful family vacation in Palm Coast Florida. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH5ww8aeLuHKkafVRiduXZWgu_33AHtmWP2Oa88DjqcPpvCGo4FJEm8vaQgbEUk0iY9qMcKLojvOnNyzr_1-LCCMSrmNQQCc0J4ui8FvplQwKYoM9Q2cHWIpfjpiofAXyU5tBXSs3jHv2/s1600/20150624_164954_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH5ww8aeLuHKkafVRiduXZWgu_33AHtmWP2Oa88DjqcPpvCGo4FJEm8vaQgbEUk0iY9qMcKLojvOnNyzr_1-LCCMSrmNQQCc0J4ui8FvplQwKYoM9Q2cHWIpfjpiofAXyU5tBXSs3jHv2/s640/20150624_164954_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I guess I should have mentioned that we packed it up and headed down south to the beach this past week, but I was afraid that you would have wanted to come with, and as much as I wanted you to be there, sadly there was no room in the car. Maybe next time. Next week I will share some highlights from one of the best weeks of the year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While we experienced a couple of stormy hot summer afternoons which is pretty typical, I found some inspiration that I wanted to pass along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just love this driftwood crab art from</span><a href="http://www.remodelandolacasa.com/2015/06/msjwuo1.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> <i>here</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZehqiccehSk_4drEzRjqEKMsZbwCqN-vgs60jeJkXoWCDhpXixuv1E33tMcqdsosl_Je-tnFbhLHJQBvdJtVvbUVMwjsOXy9t7QmUqxZeOZQdJlLjsq-_GNJFWzho1Siu1wFUmhSZ8-c/s1600/coastal+mantel+with+driftwood+crab+art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZehqiccehSk_4drEzRjqEKMsZbwCqN-vgs60jeJkXoWCDhpXixuv1E33tMcqdsosl_Je-tnFbhLHJQBvdJtVvbUVMwjsOXy9t7QmUqxZeOZQdJlLjsq-_GNJFWzho1Siu1wFUmhSZ8-c/s640/coastal+mantel+with+driftwood+crab+art1.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I found <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperFlora">this</a> </i>shop on my Instagram feed and couldn't believe how beautiful the creations are. Gorgeous!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0s5wKVXFsTsMU48cSvY0mZziQkVMSi9fZvJu8xfx463SOSNdI1JwPSX5eFER9IDbUKcjuucRryppHd2ZOz94UlhOFpZSfidlKdA1Tbc5CZWDLKPGAXNXOavxl7FSYOvR2LSylOFoNN7w/s1600/il_570xN.762798858_scv9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0s5wKVXFsTsMU48cSvY0mZziQkVMSi9fZvJu8xfx463SOSNdI1JwPSX5eFER9IDbUKcjuucRryppHd2ZOz94UlhOFpZSfidlKdA1Tbc5CZWDLKPGAXNXOavxl7FSYOvR2LSylOFoNN7w/s640/il_570xN.762798858_scv9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This latest project from <a href="http://www.thelilypadcottage.com/2015/06/billy-bookcase-hack-library-ladder.html"><i>Kelly</i></a> has got my mind going up and down and side by side just like her fabulous ladder in the library.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLs52T-NvCG794S7kIxr2TiwB2okIk3f6vCtWJFpfFRVnorROpTS1TsGEHnueAEzpR9VpWznK5wUq4rGzED9ZI2ggbrW7h2hLxACKR_LUM-i-aWubMqVxHwTAcLePAAu8vQkAkP1Kukv2/s1600/billy-bookcase-hack-ladder-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLs52T-NvCG794S7kIxr2TiwB2okIk3f6vCtWJFpfFRVnorROpTS1TsGEHnueAEzpR9VpWznK5wUq4rGzED9ZI2ggbrW7h2hLxACKR_LUM-i-aWubMqVxHwTAcLePAAu8vQkAkP1Kukv2/s1600/billy-bookcase-hack-ladder-18.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought <a href="http://www.hymnsandverses.com/2015/06/diy-jute-rope-love-sign.html"><i>this</i> </a>was such a great project and it's so cute!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHkCgcbeLjR3-1EgsJlhIeV8YWEi3SqbC7X_Gjfy6PxcPrTH1KfN1JAiTIDw72RQ_PEEdMaBVagxgBTsIiBxj4bg2d3vnNv0on2GmtN1yoR7dTXNO4UGe4sqbklO5OxjcWDsQxNVsVdy2/s1600/Jute+Rope+Word+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHkCgcbeLjR3-1EgsJlhIeV8YWEi3SqbC7X_Gjfy6PxcPrTH1KfN1JAiTIDw72RQ_PEEdMaBVagxgBTsIiBxj4bg2d3vnNv0on2GmtN1yoR7dTXNO4UGe4sqbklO5OxjcWDsQxNVsVdy2/s1600/Jute+Rope+Word+Sign.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you missed it, don't forget to stop over for my Summer Tour <i><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html">here</a> </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyrUVcszHy3ADf9VOG1hhj3AFWdoy4dJhdJB61Fk1Yq0sZ_mD99_P2BWgMU97SiAIaXiBQJY49R342UrRq5sNM9pgUB39ue6yK2YU6qDT0XqN_FYIMAXvTjVlZhjF65Bldx34tvh9qFMz/s1600/summertour2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyrUVcszHy3ADf9VOG1hhj3AFWdoy4dJhdJB61Fk1Yq0sZ_mD99_P2BWgMU97SiAIaXiBQJY49R342UrRq5sNM9pgUB39ue6yK2YU6qDT0XqN_FYIMAXvTjVlZhjF65Bldx34tvh9qFMz/s640/summertour2015.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And great news, if you are an android user and have been waiting for the bHome app for your device, wait no more. Click <a href="https://bhome.us/"><i>here</i></a> to download the app.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Curious to hear what your summer plans are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have an amazing weekend!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7wKYFovaLX61fwGauidkcfvq8WIN6E2zOm-5acTf6o7cWF8U_yp2mP25K4eu_oc0-EYS59_jy94i4LMcjpCANv-p4Rle-JxLitdCrDqO23mP2DZRj7oUdrtvr4-8dXcWhYnOWG43lZz9/s1600/laura_black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7wKYFovaLX61fwGauidkcfvq8WIN6E2zOm-5acTf6o7cWF8U_yp2mP25K4eu_oc0-EYS59_jy94i4LMcjpCANv-p4Rle-JxLitdCrDqO23mP2DZRj7oUdrtvr4-8dXcWhYnOWG43lZz9/s1600/laura_black.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">grateful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for time with my family</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-22169242863103758062015-06-23T07:20:00.001-04:002015-06-27T10:16:25.921-04:00Decorating with the same tray...3 ways<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhublSU9u-NCl0kkebRkOfv7WbVVcmEgWIjuBSTGtUW1xdrqDzAuH5A0Yss6THYoMJCnDX_XM-blmRntsbd2oQCOjkB5rv8EUlDYIqfF_L5FQf6MJV4u6OwM-OkVjrUimt60sZ9FVz6aM0Z/s1600/tray3collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhublSU9u-NCl0kkebRkOfv7WbVVcmEgWIjuBSTGtUW1xdrqDzAuH5A0Yss6THYoMJCnDX_XM-blmRntsbd2oQCOjkB5rv8EUlDYIqfF_L5FQf6MJV4u6OwM-OkVjrUimt60sZ9FVz6aM0Z/s640/tray3collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's safe to say, when I love someone, you will know. It's no secret. You can just tell. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I find a good pair of jeans that fit well, I might buy a couple of pairs. Same thing with a good tee shirt.....in some different colors. Same thing with shoes and lip gloss. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWphLVZlp6hwt8MUannpiPAh20pF3Z5_cE3t1iYKVjDa93w9iJy1q1Dg9XiUCm51w3nHy3NGOu3J9Mjacp21YNo48Uk0t4Qp3YSujhSBghUUcHOmKZD2PORlJ97Nm-mDJqvB5EGi-w0Dq/s1600/IMG_2198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWphLVZlp6hwt8MUannpiPAh20pF3Z5_cE3t1iYKVjDa93w9iJy1q1Dg9XiUCm51w3nHy3NGOu3J9Mjacp21YNo48Uk0t4Qp3YSujhSBghUUcHOmKZD2PORlJ97Nm-mDJqvB5EGi-w0Dq/s1600/IMG_2198.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And, when it comes to decor that I love for my home, you will see it ....all over the house. Just like these cute little trays that I picked up </span><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00237842/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>here</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> many moons ago. I bought three. When I want some color behind the cooktop, I will add a tray. Just attach some command strips to the back and remove when you need an extra tray around the house.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_MzudBrPmRFIlAI_eXrEIObGwSBnoG-tgd3fYJd6O_4hMcqiWMNv_wROMk6HJgd4GvuHfeUZTtGZwA4MUp9RDq9d4mlqt02-DY_yIXpA0bCbA5rk4E-Hzxk6QICWl2MxmPMYl_uUonWg/s1600/IMG_2388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_MzudBrPmRFIlAI_eXrEIObGwSBnoG-tgd3fYJd6O_4hMcqiWMNv_wROMk6HJgd4GvuHfeUZTtGZwA4MUp9RDq9d4mlqt02-DY_yIXpA0bCbA5rk4E-Hzxk6QICWl2MxmPMYl_uUonWg/s1600/IMG_2388.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's a perfect way to serve up some cold drinks to your guests. this tray is great for indoor and outdoor use and super easy to clean up...just in case you spill before getting to your destination. Total side note, orange slices in water. Refreshing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlI7WEnNN_-AceCoXIpYr462P0-YyYxxOdg_oC-5itqd0Q8JGNRPsGSChWw68BpNW40DGpCNDigUCKu5_IeBZrNlAqyZP_GvzeBgNq9ur7i8LGihGjPQAsCwSClRljaaSZ84JpkM0kS-N/s1600/IMG_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlI7WEnNN_-AceCoXIpYr462P0-YyYxxOdg_oC-5itqd0Q8JGNRPsGSChWw68BpNW40DGpCNDigUCKu5_IeBZrNlAqyZP_GvzeBgNq9ur7i8LGihGjPQAsCwSClRljaaSZ84JpkM0kS-N/s1600/IMG_2008.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's also a great place to store the kitchen utensils on the counter top, all grouped together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So next time you see a great tray, look beyond that initial purpose and think what other opportunities you have....and buy more then one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am joining my monthly challenge party pals with some other ideas on how to use your trays in your home. Be sure to see what other inspiring ideas they have by visiting the links below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/my-favorite-decorating-tool/"><i>Confessions of a Serial DIY'er</i></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://refreshrestyle.com/?p=19054"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Refresh Restyle</span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artsychicksrule.com/2015/06/decorating-with-trays-decorating-challenge.html"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Artsy Chicks Rule</span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.restorationredoux.com/decorating-with-trays-challenge"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Restoration Redoux</span></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p3maKc-2LN"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our Southern Home</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #707070; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 29.25px;">And if you are on Instagram, be sure you’re following the Decor Enthusiasts! Share your tray ideas with us on Instagram – use </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 29.25px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">#DecorEnthusiast We will pick our favorites and share them on all our Instagram feeds on Saturday…</span></em><br />
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-43900564504920858142015-06-18T06:00:00.000-04:002015-06-19T16:19:04.180-04:00Summer Home Tour 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to the bHome Summer Open House. Happy to see you! </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today I am sharing the most well used space in the house, the kitchen, along with some snippets of the family room, master bedroom and our outdoor spaces.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5uobf9kBYOrnNufomsA_PI1guSTPpatKNcjTOKRpf2VZVlgel5cROwtq4h0dNXG8r9PW1SdUPjdtNiwPRgkEcU198c5zu5lKqWczRPWhgJpF_ruRXfsIopHRcfh3YIMfAxPsyDU2eCT1/s1600/summertour2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5uobf9kBYOrnNufomsA_PI1guSTPpatKNcjTOKRpf2VZVlgel5cROwtq4h0dNXG8r9PW1SdUPjdtNiwPRgkEcU198c5zu5lKqWczRPWhgJpF_ruRXfsIopHRcfh3YIMfAxPsyDU2eCT1/s640/summertour2015.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am joining 30 other bloggers this week from the </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bhome" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>bHome</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> app to share lovely summer inspiration with you. I have all the links at the bottom of my tour as well as some details on how you can enter to win a $200 gift card from </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bhome" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>bHome</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://www.paintedfoxtreasures.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Painted Fox Treasures</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRrAG2o7tMAHYo6j7hHNP3IMt7935Q6OTt_4T97cp9UrJ9GkSDxrEceCRMCD97oA9ENkGstGhDEXlbt0uAEUnLoJ2jUStQf5Ge0ZULb_7h-0izLJBmw8sWIlHu1XstyvRVXgugb7DvtnY/s1600/18594762676_2cd8d2235e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRrAG2o7tMAHYo6j7hHNP3IMt7935Q6OTt_4T97cp9UrJ9GkSDxrEceCRMCD97oA9ENkGstGhDEXlbt0uAEUnLoJ2jUStQf5Ge0ZULb_7h-0izLJBmw8sWIlHu1XstyvRVXgugb7DvtnY/s400/18594762676_2cd8d2235e_z.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think my house is starting to act a lot like me since summer break started a month ago. Just kicking back, going with the flow, all with a smile and a carefree spirit. I act like this for two reasons. Most important, is because I really want to enjoy the little people of this house. Those little people, that before I know it, will be grown, out of the house and entirely too big and to cool for the slippy slide with mom. </span><i>insert cry and a</i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sigh</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckwKpfXpRjK2ZFEPAiv7Pm6Wk1k93xWw2cHGbrY1D9bpXbyge68cXNoG_SMf7Y04jfpNEZfhEk0EYuf3s_Yrx17rlBDCHlCixlzG2SgjSqXRM31kSiygc981PQLPCpImUNXYMYSFYVWi6/s1600/IMG_1645.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckwKpfXpRjK2ZFEPAiv7Pm6Wk1k93xWw2cHGbrY1D9bpXbyge68cXNoG_SMf7Y04jfpNEZfhEk0EYuf3s_Yrx17rlBDCHlCixlzG2SgjSqXRM31kSiygc981PQLPCpImUNXYMYSFYVWi6/s1600/IMG_1645.1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My other reason......less to clean each week. An't nobody got time for that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am not a big fan of clutter and I tend to be a minimalist by nature anyways, but during the summer months decor is left to a minimum, like throwing some blue glass, a starfish on a white platter and some curly ques in a lantern as a centerpiece on the table and calling it a day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24t1vR63RinU8dkGUWyPlDf7pHRE8SrfzVuTQCkxBcQJFuWozShkwzIarLyWfKjOtIWw-xY1kdEurXDKwdie1g92yfNnwAse0IajaSAaWlZthQ1gvhJaTAnSDP1MMnZLQqvK0x1w-yjbt/s1600/IMG_1684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24t1vR63RinU8dkGUWyPlDf7pHRE8SrfzVuTQCkxBcQJFuWozShkwzIarLyWfKjOtIWw-xY1kdEurXDKwdie1g92yfNnwAse0IajaSAaWlZthQ1gvhJaTAnSDP1MMnZLQqvK0x1w-yjbt/s1600/IMG_1684.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf-7K_v570asr6AfRzQN00nNSW0NsY4PlyWvmVE5djHXtUAhUVQU9E1kyd8qKcYsASK5-WP1a-xJzQwtBkhrJUPMLi8UFWNL-cHiLHgPoAwINmUqOUvbEkJfr8L_ZVSu0O51FC5toKaDs/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf-7K_v570asr6AfRzQN00nNSW0NsY4PlyWvmVE5djHXtUAhUVQU9E1kyd8qKcYsASK5-WP1a-xJzQwtBkhrJUPMLi8UFWNL-cHiLHgPoAwINmUqOUvbEkJfr8L_ZVSu0O51FC5toKaDs/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfYGCkI1l0f7Ia_1nr-Pf70aXHAqgn9RVzfn-s1NI5pJjLwl7k5LYCyGRugCOJ2GFRKGde6pkHWUk8wNuBVvi4KZX6XpGYzY4o7qwcna5EHRDdgUeW_2mDKynCtgchYKWVLHasp60EVFD/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfYGCkI1l0f7Ia_1nr-Pf70aXHAqgn9RVzfn-s1NI5pJjLwl7k5LYCyGRugCOJ2GFRKGde6pkHWUk8wNuBVvi4KZX6XpGYzY4o7qwcna5EHRDdgUeW_2mDKynCtgchYKWVLHasp60EVFD/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As much as we love our kitchen table, that sits in the room that was once upon a time our family room, we tend to eat more meals right here at the counter. Although every time we do eat at the table, my Lily always wants to set the table with pretty napkins, flowers and 'real' plates, we are also big on anything that doesn't require washing in the summer, aka paper plates. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX1Pb3ZlpCtr0J2yIo_Ld0vjwQamiRy6nToVu2MeJjCxZxvjPLDGGPtonT9cFv54aaOoVGhY6eWG4AH_8sNqVATF4PEI6YhwL3AWp2-Q8d_K5u4IV7kVO8vlDeOy334O8RAiTnBltQYUn/s1600/IMG_2045-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX1Pb3ZlpCtr0J2yIo_Ld0vjwQamiRy6nToVu2MeJjCxZxvjPLDGGPtonT9cFv54aaOoVGhY6eWG4AH_8sNqVATF4PEI6YhwL3AWp2-Q8d_K5u4IV7kVO8vlDeOy334O8RAiTnBltQYUn/s1600/IMG_2045-001.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The whole backside of the house is windows, so typically natural light in most rooms is never an issue....unless you are in my kitchen. Hard to believe when I have between 75-95 windows, depending on how you count them. <i>Gotta love my window cleaner.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The white cabinets really help to brighten up the space. It's hard to get one good shot of my kitchen cause of it's shape, so here's a few shots from around the room. Pretend you are making a circle around the room.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSG96DDxl7yS2Tcsvd-2sXrIUMH_4ib__nU9oVZ8T_gdr6VVJh3sFWI3iqxq3W5b1bKEzJA5HoZW_5DiQ6OblNbd0TV8ti2z12VhcrM5afkdp4ZZ6FjkAzpNEMpONXPyqkyU1Mq5AxdOeU/s1600/IMG_2037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSG96DDxl7yS2Tcsvd-2sXrIUMH_4ib__nU9oVZ8T_gdr6VVJh3sFWI3iqxq3W5b1bKEzJA5HoZW_5DiQ6OblNbd0TV8ti2z12VhcrM5afkdp4ZZ6FjkAzpNEMpONXPyqkyU1Mq5AxdOeU/s1600/IMG_2037.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If this is the first time here, you can see what the cabinets looked like before we painted them <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/06/the-finished-kitchensorta.html" style="font-style: italic;">here</a><i> </i>and more pictures of the kitchen. Other then trying to keep them clean from dirty little hands, I love the white cabinets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OQPCvZqdwdnpBjKSez1O57-lUK104b5UnRS5GzJ1_ZbFinjYl8G343YeKeojTnu0ffrY_7RKTc4x2VaXwpRCAyimeSfozi47syReRDJAMMIaGB7vRbFGUoD0G4Wt7Yad8tQGNqK2YPdm/s1600/IMG_2049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OQPCvZqdwdnpBjKSez1O57-lUK104b5UnRS5GzJ1_ZbFinjYl8G343YeKeojTnu0ffrY_7RKTc4x2VaXwpRCAyimeSfozi47syReRDJAMMIaGB7vRbFGUoD0G4Wt7Yad8tQGNqK2YPdm/s1600/IMG_2049.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFUIWw4BgBa6WfZw0GVTg8r7Pi-1BT8IjTVjYSMQo1JnD7Cp0L6Q1MJUBRtSKWP14cgOmHeZdAdslPnSoV6CIdONxb-B0h2TlD7fhDjPy07zVrdGx7cSijMZWJd1F4kgAfhxd8yZeKT4R/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFUIWw4BgBa6WfZw0GVTg8r7Pi-1BT8IjTVjYSMQo1JnD7Cp0L6Q1MJUBRtSKWP14cgOmHeZdAdslPnSoV6CIdONxb-B0h2TlD7fhDjPy07zVrdGx7cSijMZWJd1F4kgAfhxd8yZeKT4R/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To help the natural lighting issue in the kitchen, last year we took out the upper cabinet on the butlers pantry and put in some windows and planked the wall. Love this decision...and the outcome. I would show you the whole thing but I am still working on sanding doors down and some trim work. <i>Sometimes projects go entirely too slow around here....kinda like summer.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This lovely little space was originally designed to be where our kitchen table was going to go. Move in day....opps, the table didn't quite fit, so I changed things up and created a sitting area that you can see more of <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/03/when-room-just-feels-rightquiet-room.html">here</a>...<i>keeping room</i> if you are from the south. It's a perfect little reading nook. That's the backyard behind the chair. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam3qdesBmCe4SzmVnpBjio-yztVzCEWRQjAOHowm3Y_Y2r6xDYvedP_PheCeqhbZ_bTjvU72-3lT1rsTjGFs9xkQnxbxvWRA2h9Bk5W1ValYCzEZ1zCW1TJn5HgAEqzFamNIfPLxllog9/s1600/IMG_0580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam3qdesBmCe4SzmVnpBjio-yztVzCEWRQjAOHowm3Y_Y2r6xDYvedP_PheCeqhbZ_bTjvU72-3lT1rsTjGFs9xkQnxbxvWRA2h9Bk5W1ValYCzEZ1zCW1TJn5HgAEqzFamNIfPLxllog9/s1600/IMG_0580.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The second most used spaces (not including the family room) are the outdoor spaces. Our front porch which you can see more </span><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/05/summer-front-porch-color-of-year-yellow.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>here</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, gets a lot of morning time and evening time in the summer, since it is west facing exposure....and its hot. We are outdoor people, and built our patios and decks with that in mind when we built our home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We love, love, love to entertain in our backyard. We are currently undergoing a few projects back <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-backyard-tour.html"><i>here</i></a>. We are building a free standing pergola and screening in a patio. Shade from the sun and shelter from the mosquitos are two critical needs....especially in Northeast Georgia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For those that have been following my blog, here's a peek at the family room. I finally took some pictures of the room and will finally be doing a reveal next week. </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">pinky promise</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. I figured it took me this long to finish it, what's another couple of days...right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">here's another if the suspense is too much for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Another area that recently got a refresh is our outdoor terrace level right off the kitchen, that I just finished last weekend. The space feels entirely different to us since we put that awning up. Can you say SHADE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> I will share this space soon too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the spirit of being carefree, I just happened to make the bed the other day, no.... not really. It's actually the first thing I do when I get out of bed every morning, but I was taking pictures and wanted to share my master bedroom. Since you saw this space last year, I got a new duvet, throws and pillow covers.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Everything is from Pottery Barn except for the Euro's, they are from IKEA.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, that's it for my carefree summer tour besides it's hot and I need a popsicle. The last few days heat index in Georgia has been 100+.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I sure am glad that you came by and that you enjoy your summer. Please be sure to visit these other amazing bHome bloggers who are next on the tour and the other bloggers from earlier in the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Tour will finish off tomorrow so head back here on Friday for the full schedule.</span></div>
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<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/bhome-summer-home-tour/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Southern Hospitality</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html" target="_blank">Top This Top That</a>...me</span></div>
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<a href="http://roomsforrentblog.com/2015/06/summer-open-ho%E2%80%A6our-with-bhome/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rooms FOR Rent</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2015/06/summer-open-house-tour.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lilacsandlonghorns.com/bhome-summer-open-house.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lilacs & Longhorns</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-decorating-ideas/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eclectically Vintage</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://cynthiaweber.com/bhome-summer-house-tour-3/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cynthia Weber Design</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://akadesign.ca/early-summer-house-tour-with-bhome" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">AKA Design</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before I go, I wanted to make sure you are following me and some other amazing home and garden bloggers on the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bhome"><i>bHome app</i></a>. There is also a $200.00 gift card from the Painted Fox if you are on bHome or if you sign up. Just download the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bhome"><i>app</i></a> ( it's free) and leave me a comment with your bHome username. If you are already a bHome user, thank you, just leave me a comment with your user name. The winner will be chosen at random on June 20th and notified with a message on bHome. <i>If you are an android user, don't worry. We will offer this again when you can download the app sometime soon.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Monday</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/summer-home-tour-bhome-bloggers/" target="_blank">My Soulful Home</a></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.homemadebycarmona.com/bhome-summer-home-tour/" target="_blank">Home Made by Carmona</a></i></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://akadesign.ca/early-summer-house-tour-with-bhome" target="_blank">AKA Design</a></i></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.onsuttonplace.com/2015/06/5-summer-porch-decor-ideas-bhome-summer-open-house/" target="_blank">On Sutton Place</a></i></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tuesday</i></div>
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<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2015/06/bhome-summer-open-house-tour.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Cedar Hill Farmhouse</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/summer-garden-tour/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Garden Therapy</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>At The Picket Fence</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://unskinnyboppy.com/2015/06/a-dream-backyard-tour/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Unskinny Boppy</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2015/06/summer-2015-home-tour/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Miss Mustard Seed</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2015/06/summer-home-tour.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>French Country Cottage</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shabbyfufublog.com/2015/06/summer-home-touropen-house.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Shabbyfufu</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/summer-home-tour-bhome-bloggers/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My Soulful Home</i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Wednesday</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/bhome-summer-open-house-tour/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>StoneGable</i></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.housepitalitydesigns.com/2015/06/17/summer-home-tour-2015/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Housepitality Designs</i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2015/06/bhome-summer-open-house.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Craftberry Bush</i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2015/06/17/bhome-summer-open-house-tour" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Cupcakes and Crinoline</i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/2015/06/bhome-summer-tour.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Shabby Art Boutique</i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2015/06/summer-house-tour-with-bhome.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Setting For Four</i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ahealthylifeforme.com/summer-open-house/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A Healthy Life For Me</i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.homemadebycarmona.com/bhome-summer-home-tour/" target="_blank">Home Made by Carmona</a></i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thursday<br />
<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/bhome-summer-home-tour/" target="_blank">Southern Hospitality</a><br />
<a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html" target="_blank">Top This Top That</a><br />
<a href="http://roomsforrentblog.com/2015/06/summer-open-ho%E2%80%A6our-with-bhome/" target="_blank">Rooms FOR Rent</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2015/06/summer-open-house-tour.html" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lilacsandlonghorns.com/bhome-summer-open-house.html" target="_blank">Lilacs & Longhorns</a><br />
<a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-decorating-ideas/" target="_blank">Eclectically Vintage</a><br />
<a href="http://cynthiaweber.com/bhome-summer-house-tour-3/" target="_blank">Cynthia Weber Design</a><br />
<a href="http://akadesign.ca/early-summer-house-tour-with-bhome" target="_blank">AKA Design</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Friday</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bucketsofburlap.blogspot.com/2015/06/our-summer-home-tour.html">Buckets of Burlap</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://loveofhome.net/bhome-tour-summer-open-house/">Love Of Home</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.com/2015/06/debbie-doos-home-tour-with-bhome.html">Debbie Doo's</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://edithandevelynvintage.com/2015/06/19/bhome-summer-open-house-tour/">Edith and Evelyn Vintage</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html">Inspired By Charm</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-84171129337085992432015-06-16T06:00:00.000-04:002015-06-16T19:49:08.947-04:00Summer Mantel 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">I always look forward to the changing seasons and to have an opportunity to change up the mantel in the kitchen/breakfast area. And as much as I love the thought of decorating the mantel, it's not always easy for me to find things in scale, that will provide impact when they are competing with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Remember this room use to be the family room.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnuuyEh045i863lVwDgBbZkCQf1rEZgyYGiHH22iNTLusfMIFzE68L0siDSpuxs8-tyTyaHKNOuuI0PmvreUbcaKPZMwtj8nTPQ2XKb4DxrvyS9wmgMOrpMGvM_O7C5ipetcaVk96fW3v/s1600/IMG_1645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnuuyEh045i863lVwDgBbZkCQf1rEZgyYGiHH22iNTLusfMIFzE68L0siDSpuxs8-tyTyaHKNOuuI0PmvreUbcaKPZMwtj8nTPQ2XKb4DxrvyS9wmgMOrpMGvM_O7C5ipetcaVk96fW3v/s1600/IMG_1645.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCvfbaRPmgUrWIVg1jzr-LMMlAZTMSId5dt4ONjhBZTkIh2IDuOXGurjOlP8YsIqWbTGVi2WhbNjj-rqJsKd11Sr70hHvox1ZsfuP8xQ97pxi5yV4OXcDIvnzkAuCuOCE5JmtIbm9wcTU/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCvfbaRPmgUrWIVg1jzr-LMMlAZTMSId5dt4ONjhBZTkIh2IDuOXGurjOlP8YsIqWbTGVi2WhbNjj-rqJsKd11Sr70hHvox1ZsfuP8xQ97pxi5yV4OXcDIvnzkAuCuOCE5JmtIbm9wcTU/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I find what works best for my mantel is fewer items with height and grouped together, so things look in scale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I recently got this art piece with colors that complement most of the areas around the kitchen and that I really like. I was also drawn to the piece because I think it has a simple coastal vibe going on. If it was framed (<i>which I plan on doing</i>) it could probably stand on it's own, but for now, I paired it with a few other things that I love with the canvas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBCAv33_eAwulyF2TEFtuZqvmPmL6p0CBpMN-_74hefwQLmcd2dU2dTaEClOIVBfBFIJh_HtdWZvL__HhzNeHDbdbkftUkIjLp2yDTn6POywYT8FOJbrpXcCqYjsQ1ZR6H4hglfoQ1Bv9/s1600/IMG_1669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBCAv33_eAwulyF2TEFtuZqvmPmL6p0CBpMN-_74hefwQLmcd2dU2dTaEClOIVBfBFIJh_HtdWZvL__HhzNeHDbdbkftUkIjLp2yDTn6POywYT8FOJbrpXcCqYjsQ1ZR6H4hglfoQ1Bv9/s1600/IMG_1669.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This particular orchid has been going strong for months now. I have a few others doing just as well. Honestly, I think Orchids look pretty grouped with anything, and this art piece is no exception.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IFnwjNJ5d2vXSixP3VaeRylVuBKdcXVFkHjB8D-3LsTI-Az_vaEisfEY6JjNg8veXc-HewlWS7fthHsxPuOGZT342g6AU0Ht86i2w7NIrtsh2Ydoi0G58ZLNHn5dqyXrdOBgCcurck0s/s1600/IMG_1724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IFnwjNJ5d2vXSixP3VaeRylVuBKdcXVFkHjB8D-3LsTI-Az_vaEisfEY6JjNg8veXc-HewlWS7fthHsxPuOGZT342g6AU0Ht86i2w7NIrtsh2Ydoi0G58ZLNHn5dqyXrdOBgCcurck0s/s1600/IMG_1724.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I placed a shorter blue glass jar so it wouldn't compete against the height of the candle sticks. I painted the candlesticks a pretty blue and then edged the canvas in the same blue. I think the color is called Tidal water from SW.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvSBv6qfZ7LgBCtAbi6M1q1B8uY-h2D4SEPX77IV5wGUkG41CP9YYA4ker0GihjyP4tfvMco9JlsjfKahIsBltVqd0lwtY40WVd3xwMo3zyhD_q_LqfIpSwWPmkcOycKjQfQGe-jfMlVd/s1600/IMG_1674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvSBv6qfZ7LgBCtAbi6M1q1B8uY-h2D4SEPX77IV5wGUkG41CP9YYA4ker0GihjyP4tfvMco9JlsjfKahIsBltVqd0lwtY40WVd3xwMo3zyhD_q_LqfIpSwWPmkcOycKjQfQGe-jfMlVd/s1600/IMG_1674.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The look is calming and peaceful to me, kinda what this summer has presented to us so far. And when things do get a little loud, out of control, someone spills fruit punch or ice cream on the carpet, I just look at the mantel as a reminder and the sweet expectation that these are the best days of our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To see how summer around here looks outside click <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-backyard-tour.html"><i>here</i></a> and <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/05/summer-front-porch-color-of-year-yellow.html"><i>here</i></a>. I will be back on Thursday with an inside tour of my summer home. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Summer to you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMYp64UtHABYkQc4zJy8nYHazIXL9L1KSGPXfnndyS7CiknisT7BLc2abAxYPkTo-aDW2GQ9XBKNPtM04S-uUu3X05TSli5yO8ZjiWjVRvD1J1AHldzf7I-_IDzTtMgBQokMCt8H_itmJ/s1600/laura_black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMYp64UtHABYkQc4zJy8nYHazIXL9L1KSGPXfnndyS7CiknisT7BLc2abAxYPkTo-aDW2GQ9XBKNPtM04S-uUu3X05TSli5yO8ZjiWjVRvD1J1AHldzf7I-_IDzTtMgBQokMCt8H_itmJ/s1600/laura_black.png" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>PS- if you are following the bHome Summer Open House, here's the lineup so far.</i></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">MONDAY</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/summer-home-tour-with-the-bhome-bloggers/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">My Soulful Home</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.homemadebycarmona.com/bhome-summer-home-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Homemade by Carmona</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://akadesign.ca/early-summer-house-tour-with-bhome" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">AKA Design</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">TUESDAY</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2015/06/bhome-summer-open-house-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/summer-garden-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Garden Therapy</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://unskinnyboppy.com/2015/06/a-dream-backyard-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Unskinny Boppy</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2015/06/summer-2015-home-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2015/06/summer-home-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shabbyfufublog.com/2015/06/summer-home-touropen-house.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Shabbyfufu</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">grateful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for patience and understanding when things don't </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">go the way I expected</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>sources
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Canvas art- GrandinRoad</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Glass Jar- World Market</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Candle Sticks- I have had for years</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>sharing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">savvy southern style</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-16533607594120039372015-06-15T05:30:00.000-04:002015-06-16T10:58:43.360-04:00Monday Musings- Easy Summer Decor Idea, Summer Flowers, Patio Awning, Exterior Paint Update, <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, how I have missed you! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They don't call it lazy days of summer for nothing. I swear, I misplaced my cell phone two times over the weekend, forgot what day it was again, fed the kids cereal for dinner two times this week (<i>in my defense,</i> <i>once was at their request</i>) and everyone got a little extra screen time yesterday and the day before...... and I think the day before that. Hope that doesn't qualify me for a bad mom and if it does, so what...... we are having a blast over summer break. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Isn't this little summer decor on my breakfast table so pretty. Some blue glass, starfish and some curly que's on top of a white platter. I got that lantern that I am using for a vase for Mothers Day at, get ready, my grocery store. I know right!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My go to summer flower in my outdoor containers this summer....Lantana. I like to mix a few different colors up but I think this one is called confetti. Once established in it's summer home, Lantana is heat tolerant and requires little to no maintenance. You may want to pick some up today and plant it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The fruits of our labor...fresh berries from the garden. The kids eat more then they bring back to the house. But hey, I never stand in the way of a fruit or veggie snack. What's growing in your garden right now? Any fruit?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Something amazing happened on my upper terrace a couple of weeks ago. It got shade! After 13 years of living in this home, this area was never used because it had no shade and it was so hot to sit out and enjoy. I ordered this awning from </span><a href="https://www.sportsmansguide.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">here</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> and it is completely awesome....and you can't beat the price and quality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you look at the wall in the photo you will notice that I am experimenting a bit more with colors on the house. The painters are scheduled to start mid July, and I am trying to decide on a color. This is Mindful Gray ( 50%). The current color is the top color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am staying off the slippy slide for a few hours today to get the house tidy and 'summerish' for the bHome Summer Open House. I am up on Thursday, but the tour starts today.</span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">MONDAY</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mysoulfulhome.com/summer-home-tour-with-the-bhome-bloggers/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">My Soulful Home</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homemadebycarmona.com/bhome-summer-home-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Homemade by Carmona</a></div>
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<a href="http://akadesign.ca/early-summer-house-tour-with-bhome" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">AKA Design</a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">TUESDAY</span></div>
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<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2015/06/bhome-summer-open-house-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a></div>
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<a href="http://gardentherapy.ca/summer-garden-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Garden Therapy</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2015/06/summer-home-tour-2015.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a></div>
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<a href="http://unskinnyboppy.com/2015/06/a-dream-backyard-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Unskinny Boppy</a></div>
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<a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2015/06/summer-2015-home-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2015/06/summer-home-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shabbyfufublog.com/2015/06/summer-home-touropen-house.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Shabbyfufu</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Have an amazing week!</span></div>
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<br />Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-88890412681330710992015-06-10T05:30:00.000-04:002015-06-10T07:25:58.413-04:00Easier then easy..... Summer Strawberry Snack<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This summer, it's all about simple living. Simple decor (<i>less to dust</i>) simple wardrobe (<i>tee shirt and gym shorts</i>) simple hairstyle ( <i>more like pony tail and ball cap</i>), simple makeup ( <i>more like no makeup</i>) simple plans ( <i>reading a good book outside<a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-backyard-tour.html"> here</a> or <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/05/summer-front-porch-color-of-year-yellow.html">here</a></i>) simple meals (<i>breakfast for dinner</i>) and simple snacks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have mentioned in the past <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/04/the-one-thing-we-have-in-commonand.html"><i>here</i></a> my families obsession ( putting it mildly) with Gold Fish crackers. They love the stuff. And it's not like we all unanimously agree on just one flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nope, we all have to have different favorites.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> If you don't believe me, just ask my grocery cart and the odd look that </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I get from the cashier that </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">says" ummm, ma'am, do you have a problem?" </span></i></span><br />
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</i></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But this ma'am has got a secret that I discovered last week at the grocery store. As I was getting ready to gather my weekly stash of gold fish in the snack aisle, there it was, a new flavor that I had not seen before. Strawberry Shortcake. What could be more perfect during the summertime. Have you seen those at your grocery store yet?</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, I scooped a bag up, put them in the cart and headed home. During my drive home, I couldn't help but think of how delicious these little crackers would be nestled between some fresh strawberries and topped with some whipped cream. Doesn't that sound so refreshing and delicious?</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Trust me, it was. How are you simplifying your life this summer?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all are having an amazing week! And as much I miss sharing and chatting with you more regularly through the week, I am having a blast with my kids during their summer break. I know you get that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">ps- ha. don't forget to follow me on instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/topthistopthat"><i>here</i></a> where I am posting daily about all the exciting stuff you can do with gold fish and much more!
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">grateful </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and blessed to be able to stay home with my children </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">during their summer break</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-64146789765599969442015-06-05T05:00:00.000-04:002015-06-09T19:54:09.944-04:00Summer Backyard Tour <br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to my family's summer hangout....the backyard! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you are joining me from the Welcome Home Summer tour, I am so glad that you are here. </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">If you missed any of the summer spaces, the links will be at the end of the post.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Truth be told, I was a little surprised that the fine folks at <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/"><i>Balsam Hill</i></a> wanted me to pick a few things out of their shop that I could use for my home during the summer months. Naturally, I thought of the lush winter garlands and Christmas trees that I have ordered from them and used during the <a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2014/12/christmas-home-tour-2014.html"><i>holidays</i></a>, but I wasn't to sure how that kind of stuff would exactly scream summer in my decor, but I looked and I found some other stuff.... I am pretty sure its screaming summer around here.... and so are my kids.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I said it once, I will say it again, this family lives to spend time outside. More date nights with my husband sipping a cocktail and chit chatting are spent here on the deck in the backyard, along with the kids, dogs, cats and chickens. My new stemless pineapple etched wine <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/Stemless-Etched-Wine-Glasses-p/ett-1441002.htm?1=1&CartID=0"><i>glasses</i></a> should help with any wobbles and spills from the 2 and 4 legs that will be running by us, throughout the night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We so feel blessed to have this outdoor space, to have time together and to see our kids having a good time. For them, the mention of s'mores, swimming or ice cream usually seals the deal. Stick a marshmallow on one of these <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/Burnished-Bronze-Roasting-Forks-p/hth-1441004.htm"><i>roasting forks</i> </a> and that's all they need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And when I really want to turn the summer romance up without the kids, dogs, cats and chickens, I plan on a few quite dinners up on the upper deck. I recently got the awning and draped some of </span><a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=cafe+globe+lights&Extensive_Search=Y" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>these</i></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> cafe globe lights. Perfect lighting, with my perfect date, for a perfect night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unless of course, some little ones are screaming below.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy your summer and the rest of the tour!</span><br />
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</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2015/06/french-farmhouse-nautical-dining-room.html#more" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">From My Front Porch To Yours</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lilacsandlonghorns.com/summer-living-room-decor-welcome-home-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Lilacs and Longhorns</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">One More Time Event</a>s</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.prodigalpieces.com/2015/06/welcome-home-summer-tour-with-balsam-hill/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Prodigal Pieces</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whitelacecottage.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">White Lace Cottage</span></a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://meeganmakes.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">What Meegan Makes</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artsychicksrule.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Artsy Chicks Rule</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wp.me/p2LxGy-2UO" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Sondra Lyn at Home</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.restorationredoux.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Restoration Redoux</span></a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">All Things Heart and Home</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Setting For Four</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.houseofhawthornes.com/a-vintage-eclectic-summer-vignette/#comment-21672" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">House of Hawthorne’s</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://girlinthegarage.net/2015/06/white-bright-summer-mantel-welcome-home-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Girl in the Garage</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2015/06/using-lantern.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</span></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Thursday</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://concordcottage.com/welcome-home-summer-tour-with-balsam-hill/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Concord Cottage</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.oursouthernhomesc.com/2015/06/summer-in-the-family-room.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Our Southern Home</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://freshideastudio.com/beach-chic-decor-welcome-home-summer-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Fresh Idea Studio</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2015/06/04/welcome-home-summer-welcoming-front-porch-decor/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Cupcakes and Crinoline</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/2015/06/summer-deck-refresh-welcome-home-summer-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Sweet Pea</a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Friday</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.topthistopthat.com/2015/06/summer-backyard-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Top This Top That</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.serendipityrefined.com/2015/06/bright-and-graphic-porch-decorating.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Serendipity Refined</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.mrshinesclass.com/2015/06/05/summer-home-tour/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Mrs. Hines Class</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 24.375px; margin-bottom: 3rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://knickoftime.net/2015/06/outdoor-spaces-summer-tour.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e0736e; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Knick of Time</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>sharing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">savvy southern style</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I was provided product as compensation from Balsam Hill for this post, but the screams and our love for summer are all mine.</i>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7308013757461749880.post-25487631369334895632015-06-04T05:00:00.000-04:002015-06-04T16:31:45.165-04:00Weekday Wow's- happy home tour, summer party ideas,summer schedule<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Note: I think it's Thursday and usually I write this on Friday or the weekend, but remember...the summer days are just running into each other. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fun, happy home tour <a href="http://www.happyhappynester.com/2015/05/shabby-creek-cottage-summer-home-tour.html"><i>here</i></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJInuWC_nQfuq2d5dGwruLYtVK93X_d7VfK318w6Zu2NG3LgjubTBXxeRSS8Fk-xTRPLbhxQZqZj4fJ6_rLCQOcq4K9gVDvXPQ6DOfIskSS2Vi4vj3fupWPHkdViqlLXv3LQ1eCafmCsiI/s1600/LowRes_DaidriSmythe-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJInuWC_nQfuq2d5dGwruLYtVK93X_d7VfK318w6Zu2NG3LgjubTBXxeRSS8Fk-xTRPLbhxQZqZj4fJ6_rLCQOcq4K9gVDvXPQ6DOfIskSS2Vi4vj3fupWPHkdViqlLXv3LQ1eCafmCsiI/s640/LowRes_DaidriSmythe-5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you require a bit of sanity and reduction in household chaos during the kids summer break, then print this summer schedule out <a href="http://ablissfulnest.com/2015/06/printable-summer-schedule.htm"><i>here</i></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is only one <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/easy-fourth-of-july-decorating-ideas-and-a-giveaway"><i>friend</i></a> who would think to put her boots on the table. Love this idea!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVzKbZL7uRXS4nV-Cp2TLx7FfPnkZDXdjXHGkv367svV7NFgtR0GQjPVNEfqdbzDw65E3bie5l3_1uySkaMtSxYl-UR7QE-vwbUn9v622MzfRH-Z03An521Lkse0KKpK6I2GSo-jptg46/s1600/Fourth-of-July-Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVzKbZL7uRXS4nV-Cp2TLx7FfPnkZDXdjXHGkv367svV7NFgtR0GQjPVNEfqdbzDw65E3bie5l3_1uySkaMtSxYl-UR7QE-vwbUn9v622MzfRH-Z03An521Lkse0KKpK6I2GSo-jptg46/s640/Fourth-of-July-Centerpiece.jpg" width="541" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I see a couple of these in my kids future...... and perhaps mine. Recipe <a href="http://thegirlinspired.com/2015/06/peanut-butter-banana-smoothie"> <i>here</i></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ8Bcpx9oQ0qRvMlZ2p4QcY6ryB-x-u_scENr0nN_KGe1MLIWVsxh69TE2BoUjfJaRkX0w8sMhsZL_7FAsYsCWaBlQaw0zKt7CZkdhcdMCGAWbE1rmZlKwp6695ouBOSMtqQor5bnvcAC/s1600/Peanut-Butter-Banana-Smoothie-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ8Bcpx9oQ0qRvMlZ2p4QcY6ryB-x-u_scENr0nN_KGe1MLIWVsxh69TE2BoUjfJaRkX0w8sMhsZL_7FAsYsCWaBlQaw0zKt7CZkdhcdMCGAWbE1rmZlKwp6695ouBOSMtqQor5bnvcAC/s640/Peanut-Butter-Banana-Smoothie-7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have been eyeing <a href="http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2011/10/styling-rustic-popcorn-bar.html"><i>this</i></a> amazing idea for quite some time now, years maybe, and think I may plan something like it for our next party this summer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eziIJ-t07LmInSHmNcxnP5kCIvUQwzVuQI-SfA85U5mHtYFOmuvpbaqUJrMZXfJNDNxKkcq5iB5mWLxK0_aAvbYsl6aiyh6AAuTpuLo1lzKSp6lt1LvfHw_Mkx3L60b6YWULIEQGBsQd/s1600/RusticPopcornBar2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eziIJ-t07LmInSHmNcxnP5kCIvUQwzVuQI-SfA85U5mHtYFOmuvpbaqUJrMZXfJNDNxKkcq5iB5mWLxK0_aAvbYsl6aiyh6AAuTpuLo1lzKSp6lt1LvfHw_Mkx3L60b6YWULIEQGBsQd/s640/RusticPopcornBar2468.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How is your week going?</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will be back tomorrow with a Summer tour of my backyard and where you can find me this summer. Hope to see you then!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNE_FASA7IjXoNbObrM426CTzhOAV8KhrV8SwMv0829Dwop7JAF6F3LOD3xstGz6XzUvoNGyeQJgjbKmTzRuxKLprV4ljEtlOAwcb-UGqob4-96aPfAr4jkydGKAZNt2ObwkmScflmmHL/s1600/laura_black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNE_FASA7IjXoNbObrM426CTzhOAV8KhrV8SwMv0829Dwop7JAF6F3LOD3xstGz6XzUvoNGyeQJgjbKmTzRuxKLprV4ljEtlOAwcb-UGqob4-96aPfAr4jkydGKAZNt2ObwkmScflmmHL/s1600/laura_black.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PS- it is Thursday, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">grateful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for grace and patience....when I need it most</span></div>
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Laura @ duke manor farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11201228619411520365noreply@blogger.com2